Snap-Fastening Forming Blocks for Fibrous Product Pallets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forming devices for fibrous products require complex and costly assembly and disassembly processes, especially when switching between different rabbet sizes, which are time-consuming, risky for operators, and disrupt air circulation in heating devices.
Innovation Solution
A forming device with snap-fastening members that allow easy mounting and dismounting of forming blocks on conveyor pallets using unidirectional thrust forces, without electrical energy, ensuring reliable and durable attachment while minimizing air passage obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forming blocks are permanently welded to conveyor pallets, then the attachment is strong and reliable, but the device cannot be reconfigured for different rabbet sizes and the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forming device is divided into separate modular components: forming blocks that can be independently attached and detached from conveyor pallets. This segmentation enables reconfiguration for different rabbet sizes while maintaining reliable attachment during operation through the snap-fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent weld to a dynamic reversible connection using snap-fastening members. This allows the forming blocks to be easily mounted and dismounted depending on production requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining operational reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If forming blocks are bolted to conveyor pallets, then the attachment can be removed and repositioned, but the assembly and disassembly process is long and tedious requiring low conveyor speed and operator entry into the heating device
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical bolted connection system is replaced with a simpler snap-fastening mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for screws, nuts, and positioning devices, allowing rapid attachment and detachment without reducing conveyor speed or requiring operator entry into the heating device.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fastening members are positioned at specific locations on the forming blocks and conveyor pallets to provide localized secure attachment. This targeted approach ensures reliable fixation without requiring extensive assembly operations across the entire forming block structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If screws and positioning devices are used to attach forming blocks, then the attachment can be adjusted, but the passage surface of the convection air is reduced leading to poor cooking of the panel edges
Solution Approach 1:
The screws and positioning devices that obstruct air circulation are extracted from the attachment system. The snap-fastening members are designed to minimize interference with the passage surface, allowing convection air to flow freely over the forming blocks and ensure uniform heating of the panel edges.
4Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms with locking balls and cams are used, then the forming blocks can be securely retained, but the device complexity increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex, expensive locking mechanism with locking balls and cams is replaced with a simpler, more economical snap-fastening system. This simplified mechanism provides reliable retention through elastic engagement without requiring complex components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fastening members utilize elastic deformation to provide automatic locking and retention. The elastic member deflects during attachment and snaps into place, providing secure retention without requiring external locking mechanisms or complex control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and safe assembly and disassembly of forming blocks, even when the conveyor is hot, with reliable retention and improved air circulation, reducing operational risks and costs, and enabling efficient production with minimal downtime.
Implementation Method 1
capable of coming into engagement by the application of a unidirectional thrust force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
This forming device is intended to be mounted on a pallet (6) of a conveyor transporting a fibrous product through a heating device, in which the pallet (6) defines a receiving surface (63) for the fibrous product. The forming device comprises a forming block (8), a main part (81) of which is intended to be arranged at the front of the receiving surface (63), and at least one anchoring element (9), which is intended to be fastened on the pallet, being arranged at the rear of the receiving surface (63). The forming block (8) and the anchoring element (9) comprise additional locking members (89, 99) which, when the main part (81) of the forming block (8) is facing the receiving surface (63) and the anchoring element (9) is fixed on the pallet (6) at the rear of the receiving surface (63), are capable of engaging by applying a unidirectional thrust force (F) from the main part (81) of the forming block (8) towards the receiving surface (63), in a direction (X) transverse to the receiving surface (63).